Outcomes Data
We collect data to evaluate progress toward each Learning Outcome, as indicated in our Assessment Plan. These data are diverse in nature, so data collection requires effort from the Graduate Program Coordinator, Faculty, and Graduate students enrolled in each program. All data are anonymized, summarized, and displayed (in both table and visual format) on the department website by the end of each Fall semester. Graduate Program Co-Directors are responsible for data summaries, analysis, and visualization. Data are summarized, analyzed, and visualized independently for each of our four programs (Biology PhD/MS, Ecology PhD/MS). Once the data are posted, a link is shared with faculty, staff, and students in the department so that they may view progress toward Learning Outcomes for themselves.
Program Statistics & Information
- Biology Graduate Student Dissertations
- Biology Graduate Student Presentations and Publications
- Biology Graduate Student Enrollment by Degree, Total and Percentages
- Graduate Program Applications – Acceptances and Enrollment
- Biology Graduate Student Enrollment by Gender, Totals and Percentages
- Biology Graduate Student Enrollment by Ethnicity and Gender
- Graduate Program Applicants – Average GRE, GPA, and TOEFL for entering Graduate Students, Fall Semester
- Biology Graduate Program Degrees Conferred – Time-to-Completion
The tables below identify the data we collect, from where we obtain it, and the responsible party. Items in italics are still in development. There is a separate table for each Learning Outcome.
Demonstrate Knowledge of the Fundamental Concepts of Biology
| Metric | What We Need | Where To Get It | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proportion of students passing comprehensive exams (evaluated on a rubric) | Records of examination | Graduate School | GPC |
| Average GPA in coursework | GPAs for all grad students each semester | Registrar’s office | GPC |
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to a question about learning fundamental concepts in an exit interview | Biology APDP records | Biology Department | GPC |
| Proportion of students performing At or Above expectations, as determined by self-assessment of the “Literature” question on the APDP | Biology APDP records | Biology Department | GPC |
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to a question about learning fundamental concepts in an exit interview | Exit interview survey records | Biology Department | GPC |
Utilize Skills Related to the Discipline
| Metric | What We Need | Where To Get It | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of grants, fellowships, and awards received by graduate students as a function of year in program | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of publications with graduate students as the sole or lead authors | Scholarly records, surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of publications with graduate students as co-authors | Scholarly records, surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of external collaborations graduate students participate in as a function of year in program | Surveys | Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to a question about job preparation in an exit interview | Exit interview survey records | Biology Department | GPC |
Communicate Effectively in the Methods Related to the Discipline
| Metric | What We Need | Where To Get It | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proportion of students passing comprehensive exams (evaluated on a rubric) | Records of examination | Graduate school | GPC |
| Number of presentations at conferences and professional meetings by graduate students | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of publications with graduate students as the sole or lead authors | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Average grade of students in seminar course as a function of year in program | Course records | Biology Department | GPC |
| Number of publications with graduate students as co-authors | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Proportion of students engaged in science outreach | Surveys | Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to a question about scientific communication skills in an exit interview | Exit interview survey records | Biology Department | GPC |
Conduct Sound Research Using Discipline-Appropriate Methodologies
| Metric | What We Need | Where To Get It | Who Can Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of students passing thesis/dissertation defense each year (evaluated on a rubric) | Records of examination | Graduate school | GPC |
| Number of publications with graduate students as the sole or lead authors | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of students winning presentation or paper awards at conferences or societies in recognition of excellent research | Surveys | Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Number of publications with graduate students as co-authors | Scholarly records, Surveys | Digital Measures, Biology Department | Faculty, Graduate students |
| Proportion of graduating students that answer satisfied or very satisfied to a question about confidence in research design & implementation in an exit interview | Exit interview survey records | Biology Department | GPC |